Getting Around Abidjan: Walkability, Public Transit & Biking
Image by Aman ADO via wikipedia

Ivory Coast

Abidjan

Abidjan Autonomous District

Getting Around Abidjan: Walkability, Public Transit & Biking

Walkability

35
Limited

Abidjan presents a challenging environment for travelers on foot. The city is vast and sprawling, which means many errands involve long distances that are not easily walkable. While there are areas where walking is possible, inadequate sidewalks, pedestrian bridges, and crosswalks make pedestrian safety a concern. Additionally, the presence of informal markets often blocking roads adds to the difficulty of walking around. While the city recognizes walking as an important mode of transport and plans to improve pedestrian infrastructure, these changes have yet to be fully realized.

Public Transit

50
Okay

Public transit in Abidjan is a mix of ongoing transformation and lingering challenges. The city is investing in modernizing its transport network with projects like the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and metro system, which promise to ease congestion and improve access. Currently, travelers can utilize a range of public transport options, including buses and water buses operated by the Abidjan Transport Company (SOTRA). However, issues such as congestion, pollution, and erratic service remain, with vehicles often ignoring traffic rules, which can cause frustration for users. Although options exist, reliability is still a work in progress.

Bikeability

30
Bad

Cycling in Abidjan is currently limited and carries safety risks due to the city's notorious traffic congestion and insufficient cycling infrastructure. The city's roads are not particularly bike-friendly, which poses a challenge for travelers who consider cycling as an option. However, there is a burgeoning interest in promoting cycling, with advocates pushing for the introduction of cycle lanes. A 2019 law has paved the way for integrating bike lanes into new road projects, suggesting a potential for future improvement. While progress is on the horizon, the present reality remains challenging for cyclists.

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